The Order in England & Wales
The Lieutenancy of England and Wales was established in 1954 and has well over 500 members. These are grouped into eight Sections (aligned to groups of Dioceses) — Westminster, Southwark, Southern, Eastern, Midlands (including Wales), Western (the Dioceses of Plymouth and Clifton), Northern, and Northumbrian. At the national level, Investiture Vigil Services and Masses and Chapter Meetings are held twice a year, usually at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, while local events, based on a religious theme or occasion, are organised by Sections throughout the year.
The Lieutenancy has the following Mission Statement:
‘Our Aim is to support by our Prayers, our Presence on Pilgrimage and our Financial Contributions, principally through the Latin Patriarch, the Christian Community in the Holy Land’.
The spiritual life of the Lieutenancy is reflected in its prayer book and in its Members' commitment to its daily Prayer, in Days of Recollection, in monthly Masses for the Church in the Holy Land and in annual celebrations of the Feast of Our Lady, Queen of Palestine.
The Lieutenancy is proud to play a significant part in the practical work of the Order. The major financial contribution from the Lieutenancy to the expenses of the Latin Patriarchate is made through our submission to the Order's Central Office in Rome. In addition, regular pilgrimages to the Holy Land are organised, demonstrating our commitment to the Patriarchate and the schools, parishes and projects we support. Examples of recent projects include training courses and work experience in England for teachers of English and visiting Seminarians from the Holy Land, as well as financial contributions to a new parish church in Muqueibleh, a library and computer room at T'la a Ali, Jordan, and a science laboratory for a school in Gaza. Assistance is also given to Bethlehem University.
Some of our members play a leading role in the Cambridge Nazareth Trust, which seeks to assist school projects and pupils in the Holy Land.
The current Officers of the Lieutenancy are:
Lieutenant: His Excellency Dr David LG Smith, KGCHS
Grand Prior: Most Rev Kevin McDonald KC*HS, Archbishop of Southwark
Ecclesiastical Master of Ceremonies: Fr Richard Hearn, KCHS
Chancellor: John McNally, KCHS
Secretary: Sally Pearson, DHS
Treasurer: Bernard J. Waddingham, KGCHS
Lieutenants of Honour:
HE David Hirst JP KSG KGCHS
Dignitary of Honour:
HE Robert Hugh Benson AFSC KCSG KGCHS
The Lieutenancy is a registered Charity (262033)
Like to know more? Email the Secretary